David Audrain Named President, CEO of Clarion Events North America; Larry Turner Appointed President, CEO of Hannover Fairs USA
January 31, 2012
U.K.-based Clarion Events has chosen David Audrain in the newly created position of president and CEO of its North American division, and Deutsche Messe has named Larry Turner president and CEO of Hannover Fairs USA.
“North America is our No. 1 target growth market, and with almost 20 years experience in the North American exhibition industry, Audrain is the perfect person to help us expand our business into this market, including targeting management contracts,” said Simon Kimble, CEO of Clarion Events.
Audrain previously headed Messe Frankfurt’s North American division for six years, responsible for nine exhibitions in Canada, Mexico and the United States.
Prior to 2006, Audrain held executive management roles with a number of international exhibition companies, including Advanstar Communications, Hanley Wood and Miller Freeman.
“The American market remains the largest and most important economy in the world and presents a tremendous growth opportunity for Clarion Events,” Audrain said.
He added, “I’m extremely pleased to be joining Clarion on this exciting expansion into North America.”
Clarion Events recently launched a U.S. edition of its Counter Terror Expo and is looking to expand even further in North America through more launches and acquisitions, according to company officials.
The company holds 200 events worldwide and has 13 offices in 10 different countries including the U.K., Turkey, The Netherlands, South Africa, Dubai and Abu Dhabi, Brazil, Germany and Singapore.
Turner is taking the lead at Hannover Fairs USA after a turn as interim CEO of the company since July 2011.
"Our search for a new president and CEO to guide Hannover Fairs USA and to build awareness of our global trade fair brands in the U.S. was very thorough, and we determined Larry is the best person to strengthen and grow our market share here," said Götz Dörmann, senior vice president of Global Alliances at Deutsche Messe.
He added, “During the last six months, Larry has done a terrific job of creating a mission and building relationships with key U.S. clients. He brings the necessary skills and background to lead Hannover Fairs USA’s team forward in this tough economic climate.”
Prior to joining Hannover Fairs USA, Turner served as CEO of Roundhouse Advisors, a business-management consulting and coaching company.
He has experience in several vertical markets, including high-technology, office automation, manufacturing and industrial automation and medical devices.
He also has held sales and operations improvement positions of increasing responsibility at companies such as BancTec, Bell & Howell, Canon and Wybron.
“I am thrilled that Deutsche Messe has given me the opportunity to continue to lead Hannover Fairs USA,” Turner said.
He added, “I feel privileged to work with such a dedicated and bright team of people.”
Partner Voices
Overview:
The award-winning Orange County Convention Center (OCCC) goes the extra mile to make every day extraordinary by offering customer service excellence and industry-leading partnerships. From their dedicated in-house Rigging team to their robust Exhibitor Services, The Center of Hospitality brings your imagination to life by helping you host unforgettable meetings and events. With more than 2 million square feet of exhibit space, world-class services and a dream destination, we are committed to making even the most ambitious conventions a reality.
In October 2023, the Orange County Board of County Commissioners voted to approve allocating Tourist Development Tax funding for the $560 million Phase 5A completion of the OCCC. The Convention Way Grand Concourse project will include enhancements to the North-South Building, featuring an additional 60,000 square feet of meeting space, an 80,000- square-foot ballroom and new entry to the North-South Building along Convention Way.
“We are thrilled to begin work on completing our North-South Building which will allow us to meet the growing needs of our clients,” said OCCC Executive Director Mark Tester. “As an economic driver for the community, this project will provide the Center with connectivity and meeting space to host more events and continue to infuse the local economy with new money and expanding business opportunities.”
Amenities:
The Center of Hospitality goes above and beyond by offering world-class customer service and industry-leading partnerships. From the largest convention center Wi-Fi network to custom LAN/WAN design, the Center takes pride in enhancing exhibitor and customer experience.
The OCCC is the exclusive provider of electricity (24-hour power at no additional cost), aerial rigging and lighting, water, natural gas and propane, compressed air, and cable TV services. Convenience
The Center is at the epicenter of the destination, with an abundance of hotels, restaurants, and attractions within walking distance. Pedestrian bridges connect both buildings to more than 5,200 rooms and is within a 15-minute drive from the Orlando International Airport. The convenience of the location goes hand-in-hand with top notch service to help meet an event’s every need.
Gold Key Members
The OCCC’s Gold Key Members represent the best of the best when it comes to exceptional service and exclusive benefits for clients, exhibitors and guests. The Center’s Gold Key memberships with Universal Orlando Resort, SeaWorld Orlando and Walt Disney World greatly enhance meeting planner and attendee experiences offering world-renowned venues, immersive experiences and creative resources for their events.
OCCC Events:
This fiscal year, the OCCC is projected to host 168 events, 1.7 million attendees, and $2.9 billion in economic impact.
The Center’s top five events during their 2022-2023 fiscal year included:
AAU Jr. National Volleyball Championships 2023
200,000 Attendees
$257 Million in Economic Impact
MEGACON 2023
160,000 Attendees
$205 Million in Economic Impact
Open Championship Series 2023
69,500 Attendees
$89 Million in Economic Impact
Sunshine Classic 2023
42,000 Attendees
$54 Million in Economic Impact
Premiere Orlando 2023
42,000 Attendees
$108 Million in Economic Impact
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